Cranes that have helped to build the Shanghai Tower, China's tallest building and the world's 2nd tallest, are seen being dismantled. (Photo by Rex Features)

Construction workers have been able to scale the half-mile £1.6billion monolith in the world’s longest lift. Principal architect Jun Xia said it serves “as a stunning representation of our past, our present and China’s boundless future”. (Photo by Rex Features)

Workers dismantle cranes that have helped to build the Shanghai Tower. (Photo by Rex Features)

Construction work on the tower began in November 2008. Upon its completion this year the building will stand approximately 632 meters (2,073 ft.) high and will have 121 stories. It is expected to open to the public in 2015. (Photo by Rex Features)

Shanghai Tower will be the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. But Shanghai’s pride may not last long – Hunan province is building an 838m tower... (Photo by Rex Features)